FACING the threat of missing the championship round for the first time in seven conferences, Creamline displayed its experience and determination, sweeping Akari 25-18, 25-19, 25-19 in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference semifinals at Philsports Arena on Tuesday (01 Apr 2025).

Now, the Cool Smashers must overcome sister team Choco Mucho in a crucial Final Four showdown on Thursday to keep their Finals streak intact. A potential playoff for the last championship berth looms, adding further intrigue to an already intense battle.

Dominant Response to Petro Gazz Loss

Rebounding from a four-set loss to Petro Gazz, Creamline swiftly dismantled an Akari squad fresh off a stunning five-set upset over Choco Mucho. The Chargers, on the brink of a Finals appearance, faltered under pressure as the Cool Smashers asserted their dominance from start to finish.

Creamline controlled the match with precision, steadily pulling away in the first set, overcoming an early 8-13 deficit in the second, and closing strong in the third. Bernadeth Pons spearheaded the charge, taking command after Akari closed in at 13-14, scoring five of Creamline’s next six points to extend the lead to 21-15. Alyssa Valdez sealed the deal, firing three of the team’s last four points in a decisive one-hour, 23-minute victory.

Pons and Panaga Shine in Must-Win Match

Pons led Creamline with 17 points, while Tots Carlos and Pangs Panaga contributed 13 each. Valdez added nine, while Bea de Leon and Kyle Negrito chipped in four apiece. Creamline overwhelmed Akari in attacks (51-28), with Negrito outplaying counterpart Michelle Cobb, delivering 24 excellent sets—10 more than Akari’s playmaker.

Defensively, the Cool Smashers stifled Eli Soyud, holding her to 11 points after her career-high 34-point explosion against Choco Mucho. Akari struggled offensively, with Ivy Lacsina, Faith Nisperos, and Ced Domingo combining for just 21 points.

One More Hurdle to the Finals

With their title hopes hanging in the balance, Creamline once again proved why they are the league’s gold standard. However, their toughest test remains: a must-win showdown against Choco Mucho to secure their place in the Finals.